Rain Lily – Desert Horizon Nursery

Rain Lily

Zephyranthes candida
Categories:
Perennials  ·  
Perennials
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Water regularly during active growth, keeping soil lightly moist but never soggy. Allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering during winter dormancy.
Size
8-12 in tall × 8-12 in wide
Habit
Bulb/tuberous
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets & Humans
Description
A clump-forming bulb with narrow, grasslike foliage and white, crocuslike flowers that often appear after rain or deep watering.
Bloom Time
Summer to fall
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Toxic (see detail)
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Bulb/tuberous
Mature Size
8-12 in tall × 8-12 in wide
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Container / Patio
Garden Style
Container / Patio
Soil
Amended / Rich, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Dwarf agapanthus, Fortnight lily, Liriope, Society garlic
Toxic — Pets & Humans
Bulbs and foliage toxic if ingested (lycorine); keep away from pets and children
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; avoid intense reflected heat and harsh western exposure.

Water: Water regularly during active growth, keeping soil lightly moist but never soggy. Allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering during winter dormancy.

Soil: Well-drained soil amended with compost; tolerates sandy or loamy soil. Improve drainage in heavy desert soils.

Mature size: 6–12 inches tall and wide per clump; gradually spreads into larger colonies.

Bloom: Flowers in flushes from summer into fall, often following monsoon rains or thorough watering.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen to semi-evergreen in mild conditions; may lose foliage during cold weather or extended drought.

Growth rate: Moderate with adequate moisture; slower under dry conditions.